Flood-Related Death Toll Rises in Eastern Spain as Worker Dies in Roof Collapse
Latest Tragedy Hits Region Amid Ongoing Reconstruction Efforts
A labourer working on repairs to a school near Valencia damaged in the deadly floods that ravaged eastern Spain last month was killed when a roof collapsed, authorities announced today. The victim was killed during "ongoing repair work in this establishment" in Massanassa, a town of 9,000 people in the Valencia suburbs, regional prefect Pilar Bernabe told journalists.
Second Person Injured in Incident
Bernabe added that a second person was injured and taken to hospital following the incident, which occurred around midday. Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez posted on X offering his and his government’s solidarity with "the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased worker".
Government and Regional Authorities React
"I should like to thank and salute the work of all those participating tirelessly on the reconstruction work," Sanchez added. "Their devotion and their commitment are the best example of public service." Valencia regional president Carlos Mazon, who indicated the deceased and the injured colleague both worked for public works company Tragsa, has called an emergency meeting following the incident. Mazon, under fire in recent weeks over what some have deemed a chaotic response by regional authorities to the flooding, said the meeting would "analyse" what had happened and why.
Emergency Unit Escapes Unscathed
Authorities say some soldiers from an emergency unit tasked with responding to natural disasters were in the building when the roof collapsed but managed to escape unscathed.
Ongoing Reconstruction Efforts
The latest tragedy to hit the region comes amid ongoing work to clear and restore infrastructure destroyed by the flooding, which damaged thousands of buildings and vehicles. Valencia’s regional administration says state and regional services have cleared some 200,000 tons of mud and waste since the end of last month.
Conclusion
The flooding in eastern Spain has had a devastating impact on the region, with at least 228 lives lost, all but seven in the Valencia region. The latest incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities as they work to rebuild and restore infrastructure damaged by the flooding.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many people have been killed in the flooding in eastern Spain?
At least 228 people have been killed, with all but seven in the Valencia region. - What happened in the latest incident?
A labourer working on repairs to a school in Massanassa, Valencia, was killed when a roof collapsed, and a second person was injured. - How many tons of mud and waste have been cleared since the end of last month?
Valencia’s regional administration says state and regional services have cleared some 200,000 tons of mud and waste.